Four hours ago, we learned about the alarming situation in Afghanistan, where internet shutdowns have devastated the lives of many, particularly women and students. Fahima Noori, an aspiring producer, had once envisioned a bright future after graduating from university. Her educational journey included studying law, completing a midwifery program, and even working at a mental health clinic. However, her aspirations were shattered when the Taliban regained power in 2021, imposing severe restrictions on women's education and employment.
The Taliban's stringent policies have prohibited girls over the age of 12 from receiving an education and have removed books authored by women from universities. For Fahima, the internet represented her last connection to the outside world, allowing her to enroll in an online university to continue her studies. “I had hoped to finish my studies and find an online job,” she explained. However, on Tuesday, that hope was extinguished as the Taliban enforced a nationwide internet shutdown, leaving her dreams in ruins.
According to internet watchdog Netblocks, Afghanistan is currently undergoing a total internet blackout, a move that has disrupted essential services and paralyzed communication across the country. International news agencies have reported losing contact with their offices in the capital, Kabul. Additionally, mobile internet and satellite TV services have faced severe disruptions, affecting countless lives.
Local media reports indicate that flights from Kabul airport have also been grounded due to the internet shutdown, further complicating the situation for those needing to travel. In conversations with individuals affected by the outages, the sentiment of despair is palpable. Shakiba, a student from Takhar province, lamented, “Before this, I studied midwifery, but unfortunately that program was banned for women. The only hope left for us was the internet and online learning. When I heard that the internet had been cut, the world felt dark to me.”
Fahima echoes this feeling of helplessness. “My two sisters and I were studying online. We dreamed of finishing our education and helping our father financially, but now... we all sit at home doing nothing,” she shared, emphasizing the dire consequences of the internet blackout on their educational prospects.
Since the Taliban's return to power, numerous restrictions have been imposed in alignment with their interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. Earlier this month, they banned around 140 books written by women from the country's university curriculum, citing concerns that these materials contradicted their policies. Titles such as “Safety in the Chemical Laboratory” were included in the ban, signaling a broader crackdown on women's contributions to education.
The Taliban claims to respect women's rights according to their interpretation of Afghan culture and Islam. Yet, this viewpoint has not only impacted female students but also teachers like Zabi, who previously thrived in the online education sector. Zabi, who had transitioned from journalism to teaching English online, recounted the joy of teaching classes filled with both male and female students. “My students were happy, and our lessons went smoothly. They were all preparing for the IELTS standardized English test, which relied heavily on internet access,” he explained.
Tragically, just days ago, Zabi's students were in the midst of their exams when the internet was abruptly cut off. “It was heartbreaking for them—and for me as their teacher,” he said, noting the desperation of his students who now face an uncertain future.
The economic implications of the internet shutdown extend beyond just education. Anas, a money changer in Takhar province, reported a staggering 90% decline in his business due to the blackout. “Much of my work depends on the internet,” he stated. He expressed deep concern for his three daughters, who relied on online classes for their education. “Seeing my children so helpless... that was the hardest for me,” he lamented.
Prior to the shutdown, many residents had access to mobile data, although it was costly and unreliable. A 100GB monthly plan costs about 3,500 Afghani (approximately $50), while WiFi used to be available for around 1,000 Afghani per month, making it more accessible for families to share. With Afghanistan’s per capita income standing at just $306 in 2024, these costs are prohibitive for most families.
The Taliban has yet to provide an official explanation for the internet shutdown. They previously mentioned plans for an alternative internet access route, but details remain scarce. As the situation continues to evolve, the consequences of the internet blackout are becoming increasingly severe. The dreams of education and economic stability for many, particularly women, hang in the balance as the country navigates this dark chapter in its history.
